Rhonda joined the Embrace team in 2018. Her professional experience includes both public and private educational settings. For over a decade, she served as the Director of a public charter school which she cofounded, leading staff and implementing cross-curricular programing for a unique student population. Earlier in her career, Rhonda worked as a special education teacher, social studies teacher, residential counselor for at-risk teens, and Director of Exceptional Children’s Programming. Supporting students and their families as they navigate life’s transitions and plan for the future is her strength. At the end of the day, helping others inspires and motivates her. Rhonda’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Virginia State University and a master’s degree in special education from NC Central University. She has training as a behavioral technician and in crisis de-escalation. Born and raised in a military household across the Southeastern US, she has enjoyed living in the Triangle for the past 25 years and traveling on adventures around the globe whenever possible.